Shared Libraries:

• Definition: Dynamically linked libraries (.so on Unix, .dll on Windows) loaded at runtime.

• Size: Smaller executable size; library code is not embedded in the binary.

• Linking: Linked at runtime via dynamic linker; requires library presence on the system.

• Updates: Can be updated independently without recompiling the executable.

• Performance: Slight runtime overhead due to dynamic linking.

• Distribution: Must be distributed with the executable or installed on the target system.

• Memory: Shared across multiple processes, reducing memory usage. Example: libc.so on Linux.

Static Libraries:
- Definition: Archives (.a on Unix, .lib on Windows) embedded into the executable at compile time.

• Size: Larger executable size; library code is included in the binary.

• Linking: Linked at compile time; no external dependencies at runtime.

• Updates: Requires recompilation of the executable to incorporate library updates.

• Performance: Faster at runtime; no dynamic linking overhead.

• Distribution: Self-contained executable; no need to distribute the library separately.

• Memory: Each executable has its own copy, increasing memory usage.

• Example: libc.a on Linux.